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Airbus: First A320neo flight will be Thursday

Airbus is set to make the first-ever flight on its new Airbus A320neo jet this Thursday (Sept. 25), the European jetmaker announced Monday. The maiden flight on the A320neo test aircraft is scheduled to occur

The "neo" — short for "new engine option" — is Airbus' update of its popular A320 narrowbody jet, used for medium and short-haul flights by carriers across the globe. Aerodynamic improvements, an updated cabin interior and increased fuel efficiency are hallmarks of the modernization program for the A320.

Airbus has received more than 3,000 orders for the A320neo, which officially was launched in 2010. Airbus' decision to modernize the A320 is thought to have been a major factor in pushing Boeing to make its own update to its 737 model, the U.S. jetmaker's competing model to the A320. Boeing finally launched that effort in 2011, dubbing the update the 737 MAX. Delivery to launch customer Southwest is expected in 2017.

As for the A320neo, Airbus plans to deliver its first updated jet in 2015.